I have always appreciated Galatians 6:6 because it speaks directly to the often-overlooked relationship between spiritual teachers and those they serve. Paul writes, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” That verse deserves to be framed on the wall of every church boardroom—right next to the thermostat, which no pastor has ever been allowed to touch. Paul understood a simple truth: quality teaching takes time, and time requires support. Preachers do not live on sermons alone—there must also be groceries. Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 10:10 when He said, “The worker is worthy of his wages,” and again in Luke 10:7. Paul reinforces this principle in 1 Corinthians 9:14, “Those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel,” and once more in 1 Timothy 5:18, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
Kenneth Boles captures the heart of this when he notes that supporting teachers of the Word is more than charity—it is recognition that biblical instruction is valuable. Good preaching does not fall out of the sky on Sunday morning like manna. It takes study, prayer, preparation, reflection, and usually an extra cup of coffee or two. If we want strong spiritual leaders, we must give them the time and resources to become strong. Otherwise, pastors spend their best energy juggling side jobs while their calling is treated like a hobby. Unfortunately, some churches still think Paul was talking about starving their pastor, not supporting him.
Paul’s instruction goes beyond survival-level support. He uses the phrase “share all good things”—a phrase rooted in the idea of fellowship. Not communism, as some critics argue from Acts 2, but mutual care. Fellowship means shared life. That includes shared resources. If a congregation enjoys a reasonable standard of living, why should they expect their pastor to live on canned ravioli and instant noodles? Real fellowship means shared burdens, shared blessings, and shared beans—preferably not from a dented can.
The truth is that faithful pastoral ministry requires time, energy, and maturity—none of which come pre-packaged. No one is born a pastor. Ministry skills are forged in prayer, preaching, tears, laughter, and the glorious chaos of church life. That journey takes years—and a supportive church family. I have personally been blessed far beyond what I deserve. I have served congregations who saw my flaws, watched me fail, picked me back up, and never stopped loving me—or supporting me. Like Paul in Philippians 4, I feel profound gratitude for generous believers who “shared in my troubles.” As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself thanking God not just for His blessings, but for His people—who shared “all good things” with me so I could share His Word with them.